High quantum yield white phosphors and methods of making

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a composition comprising a Gd 3+ -Eu 3+  white phosphor composition, methods of making the composition, and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 60/947,998, filed on Jul. 5, 2007, to Meltzer, et al., which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with government support under Grant No.'s 0305400 and 0305449 awarded by the National Science Foundation. The U.S. government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND

There is an interest in mercury-free lamps for general lighting and for plasma displays. However, this requires new phosphors that are excited in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV). A white phosphor would have advantages over those used in the usual lamps in that only one material would be required to provide white light rather than the present schemes that require a mixture of phosphors providing different colors. It could also be used as white light backlighting in displays.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a composition comprising a Gd³⁺-Eu³⁺ white phosphor composition, methods of making the composition, and the like.

Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure include a nearly white phosphor composition comprising GdZrF₇:Eu.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also include a method of making GdZrF₇:Eu comprising: mixing in molar equivalents about 0.85 to 0.99 GdF₃, about 1.0 to 1.12 ZrF₄, about 0.005 to 0.075 Eu₂O₃, and about 0.5 to 3.0 NH₄F and grinding the mixture; charging the mixture into a capped carbon crucible; and heating the mixtures at about 730 to 750 ° C. for about 1 to 3 hours.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 is a graph that illustrates the emission spectra of undoped and 1% molar equivalents-Eu³⁺doped GdZrF₇. For the undoped, the broad emission band likely arises from a STE and sharp Gd³⁺⁶P emission. For the Eu³⁺doped, the Gd³⁺ emission is effectively converted to Eu³⁺ emission by ET, but there appears to be very little direct transfer from the STE to Eu³⁺.

FIG. 2 is a graph that illustrates excitation spectra for 1% and 3% molar equivalents-Eu³⁺doped GdZrF₇. There is a very high quantum yield approaching unity (assumes absolute QY of NaSal and Y₂O₃:Eu are 0.6 at 160 nm).

FIG. 3 is a graph that illustrates temperature dependence: self-trapped exciton emission for GdZrF₇: undoped excited at 157 nm. The integrated intensity of the STE decreases with increase in T. The Gd³⁺⁶P emission increases as the STE emission decreases. There is a temperature-dependent STE→Gd energy transfer.

FIG. 4 is a graph that illustrates temperature dependence of STE emission. The STE emission broadens with an increase in T. The overlap of the STE emission with the Gd³⁺⁶P absorption increases with T.

FIG. 5 is a graph that illustrates the decay of the STE as a function of temperature. The decay rate increases with temperature. The decay is nearly exponential (decay times in parenthesize).

FIG. 6 is a graph that illustrates time dependence for Gd³⁺⁶P emission—GdZrF₇ undoped, T=77K. A broad background with a fast decay lies underneath the ⁶P Gd³⁺ emission. When this is subtracted from the total emission, the ⁶P rises from zero at t=0. The background also has a slower component whose decay agrees with that of the main emission band.

FIG. 7 is a graph that illustrates a study of the fast component of the broad background. The fast component has a decay of 0.35 μs and is found to be independent of T. The slow component of the decay is the same as that of the main STE emission. This suggests the presence of two types of centers, the fast one occurring at shorter wavelengths than that of the slower (STE).

FIG. 8 is a graph that illustrates the fit to the ⁶P Gd³⁺ population buildup with two components. The fast component rise time is T-independent and nearly constant (Trise=0.35 μs). The slow component is identical to that of the STE decay and is T-dependent. The Gd³⁺⁶P emission intensity decreases at lower temperatures suggesting a reduced energy transfer from the STE.

FIG. 9 illustrates a model for the dynamics of the populations. The temperature dependence of the STE radiatative (w_(R) ^(STE)(T)) and the energy transfer rate to Gd³⁺ (w_(ET) ^(STE)(T)) are varied to fit the time dependence of both the STE and Gd³⁺⁶P emission. The model attempts to fit the temperature dependence of both the STE and Gd³⁺⁶P with regard to both the relative intensities and decay rates.

FIG. 10(A) is a graph that illustrates GdZrF₇ STE decay. FIG. 10(B) is a graph that illustrates Gd³⁺⁶P buildup.

FIG. 11 is a graph that illustrates temperature dependence of the best-fit rates. The energy transfer rate to Gd increases rapidly with temperature. The STE radiative rate increases more slowly with increase in T.

FIG. 12 is a graph that illustrates the dynamics of the Gd³⁺→Eu³⁺ energy transfer and Eu³⁺ relaxation.

FIG. 13 is a graph that illustrates Gd³⁺→Eu³⁺ energy transfer rate increases in proportion to the Eu³⁺ concentration.

FIG. 14 is a graph that illustrates time dependence of the emission of undoped and Eu-doped GdZrF₇.

FIG. 15 is a graph that illustrates time dependence of Gd³⁺⁶P emission of undoped GdZrF₇ at L.N.

FIG. 16 is a graph that illustrates that the addition of other lanthanides can be used to fine-tune the color of the phosphor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present disclosure is described in greater detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, and as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided could be different from the actual publication dates that may need to be independently confirmed.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order that is logically possible.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will employ, unless otherwise indicated, techniques of physics, chemistry, and the like, which are within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature.

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to perform the methods and use the probes disclosed and claimed herein. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in ° C., and pressure is at or near atmospheric. Standard temperature and pressure are defined as 20° C. and 1 atmosphere.

Before the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail, it is to be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the present disclosure is not limited to particular materials, reagents, reaction materials, manufacturing processes, or the like, as such can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It is also possible in the present disclosure that steps can be executed in different sequence where this is logically possible.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a compound” includes a plurality of compounds. In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings unless a contrary intention is apparent.

Discussion

Embodiments of the present disclosure include Gd³⁺-Eu³⁺ white phosphor compositions, methods of making Gd³⁺-Eu³⁺ white phosphor compositions, and the like. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure include Gd³⁺-Eu³⁺ high quantum yield phosphor compositions. The Gd³⁺-Eu³⁺ white phosphor composition can include, but is not limited to, GdZrF₇ doped with Eu³⁺ (e.g., GdZrF₇:Eu).

In an embodiment, the composition includes about 0.1% to 10.0% molar equivalent Eu³⁺-doped GdZrF₇. In another embodiment, the composition includes about 1% molar equivalent Eu³⁺doped GdZrF₇ In an embodiment, the GdZrF₇ doped with Eu³⁺ can be excited under vacuum via UV excitation.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include the addition of lanthanides including, but not limited to, Tm, Tb, and Pr. In an embodiment, the composition includes about 0.5 to 1% molar equivalent Tm, Tb, or Pr. The addition of lanthanides may be used to fine tune the color of the phosphor.

GdZrF₇:Eu has a high quantum yield and produces an emission that is substantially white in color (e.g., the CIE coordinates for GdZrF₇:Eu are x=0.37 and y=0.28; a “white” phosphor would have coordinates x=y=0.33). In an embodiment, GdZrF₇:Eu is a nearly white phosphor (e.g., blue STE and Eu³⁺⁵D_(J)) with a quantum yield approaching 1 and is excitable in the VUV.

The Gd³⁺-Eu³⁺ white phosphor composition could be used in white VUV-excited phosphor in rare gas discharge lamps or in plasma displays. In addition, the Gd³⁺-Eu³⁺ white phosphor composition could be used in fluorescent lamps. The color of the phosphor can be fine-tuned by adding other lanthanides as dopants in the GdZrF₇ host. Examples include Pr, Tb or Tm, but other lanthanides may also be useful, such as Sm.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of making a phosphor comprising: mixing in molar equivalents about 0.85 to 0.99 GdF₃, about 1 to 1.12 ZrF₄, about 0.005 to 0.075 Eu₂O₃, and about 0.5 to 3 NH₄F and grinding the mixture; charging the mixture into a capped carbon crucible; and heating the mixtures at about 730 to 750° C. for about 1 to 3 hours.

In an embodiment, the method of making a phosphor further comprises: placing the capped carbon crucible inside a larger carbon crucible; placing the carbon crucibles in an alumina crucible; and filling the space between the alumina and carbon crucibles with graphite powder.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of making the phosphor where the phosphor is about 0.1% to 10% Eu molar equivalent doped GdZrF₇. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of making the phosphor where the phospor is about 1% Eu molar equivalent doped GdZrF₇. Another embodiment includes a method of making the phosphor where the phosphor is GdZrF₇:Eu.

In an embodiment of the Gd³⁺-Eu³⁺ white phosphor composition, the emission has three contributions: (1) ⁶P of Gd³⁺ in the UV at about 313 nm, (2) emission from what is probably a self-trapped exciton producing a broad band in the blue, and (3) emission from Eu³⁺ mainly in the red from ⁵D₀, but with contributions over the rest of the visible from transitions from all ⁵D_(J) levels, which appear here because of the slow rates of multiphonon decay due to the very low vibrational frequencies in this lattice.

Although not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the initial absorption occurs in the host valence to conduction band transition, followed by the rapid formation of the self-trapped exciton, and that energy transfer then occurs first to Gd³⁺ and then to Eu³⁺. All three centers contribute to the emission. The material absorbs strongly in the vacuum ultraviolet. The total quantum yield for all emission is nearly 1 for excitation at about 175 nm, which matches well with the about 170 nm emission of a Xenon discharge.

Embodiments of the present disclosure use the self-trapped exciton (STE) to sensitize the Gd³⁺ excitation, which then transfers energy to Eu³⁺. In an embodiment, visible emission occurs both from the STE and from Eu³⁺.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include energy transfer processes involving STE→Gd³⁺(⁶P)→Eu³⁺(⁵D₃→⁵D₂→⁵D₁→⁵D₀). Embodiments of the present disclosure include the STE→Gd³⁺ energy transfer, which occurs by dipole-dipole or exchange interactions due to the overlap of the high energy tail of the STE emission and Gd³⁺⁶P absorption, which rate increases strongly with temperature (T).

In an embodiment, Gd³⁺ transfers energy very effectively to Eu³⁺, and the rate is proportional to the Eu³⁺ acceptor concentration.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a mechanism for the STE→Gd³⁺ energy transfer. Since the Gd³⁺ is present at 100% concentration, although not intending to be bound by theory, it seems unlikely that mobility of the STE is important in the dynamics. The STE→Gd energy transfer results from the weak overlap of the high energy tail of the STE emission and the ⁶P Gd³⁺ absorption. The mechanism can be either the dipole-dipole or exchange interaction. The temperature dependence of the STE→Gd energy transfer rate results from the increased overlap as the STE broadens with temperature. Although not intending to be bound by theory, the surprisingly low energy transfer rate at this 100% concentration probably arises from the very poor overlap of the STE emission and Gd³⁺ absorption. Despite the relatively slow energy transfer rates, it still effectively competes with the slow radiative rates to produce significant energy transfer to Gd³⁺ thereby yielding a combination of self-trapped exciton and Eu³⁺ emission which makes possible a nearly white phosphor.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Introduction

A luminescence study in the monoclinic GdZrF₇ compound was carried out since its structural information was provided by Michel Poulain at 1972. Kolk et al. did the VUV excitation study in Pr³⁺ doped LaZrF₇ compound. They showed photon cascade emission (PCE) of Pr³⁺ and the energy transfer from STE to Pr³⁺ . We studied the related material, GdZrF₇ and Eu³⁺ doped GdZrF₇.

GdZrF₇:Eu is a nearly white phosphor with a quantum yield approaching 1 and is excitable in the VUV. It does not exhibit quantum cutting, but is of interest in the problem of sensitizing Gd, which is a quantum cutter. We used the STE to sensitize the Gd excitation, which then transfers energy to Eu³⁺.

Visible emission occurs both from the STE and from Eu³⁺. The dynamics of these energy transfer processes as a function of temperature were studied in detail in both undoped and Eu-doped GdZrF₇ to determine the feeding and loss mechanisms.

Emission Spectrum

The emission spectrum of an undoped and a 1% Eu³⁺doped GdZrF₇ sample at 300 K is shown in FIG. 1. Both of these two samples have a broad STE emission which peaks at 420 nm. For the undoped sample, one can see broad emission band likely arising from a STE and sharp Gd³⁺⁶P emission. For the 1% molar equivalents Eu³⁺ doped sample, the low intensity of the Gd³⁺⁶P emission suggests the efficient energy transfer from Gd³⁺ to Eu³⁺(⁶P→⁵D₃→⁵D₂→⁵D₁→⁵D₀), but there appears to be very little direct transfer from the STE to Eu³⁺.

The undoped GdZrF₇ was cooled to L. N. to study temperature dependence of the emission. The spectrum is shown in FIG. 3. One can see that the integrated intensity of the STE decreases with increase in temperature. Meanwhile, the Gd³⁺⁶P emission increases as the STE emission decreases. Therefore, there is a temperature-dependent STE→Gd energy transfer in this sample.

When the emission of STE was normalized at different temperatures to the emission at L. N., one can see the STE emission broadens with an increase in T. The overlap of the STE emission with the Gd³⁺⁶P absorption increases with T. This is shown in FIG. 4.

Excitation Spectrum

The excitation spectrum of Eu³⁺ doped GdZrF₇ relative to sodium salicylate is shown in FIG. 2. One can see that the quantum yield of this sample is about unity. This suggests that there is no quantum cutting.

Temperature Dependence of Emission Dynamics

At room temperature, the lifetime of the STE emission of the undoped sample is almost the same as the sample containing 1% Eu³⁺. This observation is consistent with very little direct transfer from the STE to Eu³⁺. It is shown in FIG. 14.

The time dependence as a function of temperature of the STE emission at 420 nm in the undoped sample is shown in FIG. 5 under pulsed excitation at 157 nm. For the undoped sample, there is a striking increase in the lifetime as the temperature falls, reaching 45 μs at 77 K, and the decay is nearly exponential.

The time dependence as a function of temperature of the ⁶P emission of Gd³⁺ at 313 nm in the undoped sample is shown in FIG. 8. It is shown that the ⁶P Gd³⁺ population buildup has two components. The fast component rise time is temperature independent and nearly constant (T _(rise)=0.35 μs). The slow component is identical to that of the STE decay and is temperature dependent. One also can see the Gd³⁺⁶P emission intensity decreases when temperature falls. This suggests a reduced energy transfer from the STE at lower temperatures.

The time dependence Gd³⁺⁶P emission of undoped GdZrF₇ at L. N. is shown in FIG. 15. We find a broad background with a fast decay lies underneath the ⁶P Gd³⁺ emission. When we subtract this broad background from the total emission, the ⁶P rises from zero at t=0. This broad background also has a slower component whose decay agrees with that of the main STE emission band.

The study of two components of the broad background is shown in FIG. 7. The fast component has a decay of 0.35 μs and is found to be independent of temperature. The slow component of the decay is the same as that of the main STE emission. This suggests the presence of two types of centers, the fast one occurring at shorter wavelengths than that of the slower (STE).

Mechanism for the STE→Gd³⁺ Energy Transfer

Since the Gd³⁺ is present at 100% concentration, it seems unlikely that mobility of the STE is important in the dynamics. The STE→Gd³⁺ energy transfer results from the weak overlap of the high energy tail of the STE emission and the ⁶P Gd³⁺ absorption. The mechanism can be either the dipole-dipole or exchange interaction. The temperature dependence of the STE→Gd³⁺ energy transfer rate results from the increased overlap as the STE broadens with temperature. The surprisingly low energy transfer rate at this 100% concentration probably arises from the very poor overlap of the STE emission and Gd³⁺ absorption. Despite the relatively slow energy transfer rates, it still effectively competes with the slow radiative rates to produce significant energy transfer to Gd³⁺.

Conclusions

From the results discussed above, we find Eu³⁺ doped GdZrF₇ has a quantum yield approaching 1, and it is a nearly white phosphor because of blue STE and red Eu³⁺⁵D_(J).

The energy transfer processes involve STE→Gd³⁺(⁶P)→Eu³⁺(⁵D₃→⁵D₂→⁵D₁→⁵D₀). The STE→Gd³⁺ energy transfer occurs by dipole-dipole or exchange interactions due to the overlap of the high energy tail of the STE emission and Gd³⁺⁶P absorption. Its rate increases strongly with temperature. Gd³⁺ transfers energy very effectively to Eu³⁺, and the rate is proportional to the Eu³⁺ acceptor concentration. The STE seems to be an effective means of coupling energy into Gd³⁺.

It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used for convenience and brevity, and thus, should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. To illustrate, a concentration range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited concentration of about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %, but also include individual concentrations (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.5%, 1.1%, 2.2%, 3.3%, and 4.4%) within the indicated range. The term “about” can include ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, or ±10%, or more of the numerical value(s) being modified. In addition, the phrase “about ‘x’ to ‘y’” includes “about ‘x’ to about ‘y’”.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, and are merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

1. A composition comprising: a Gd³⁺-Eu³⁺ white phosphor composition.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the Gd³⁺-Eu³⁺ white phosphor composition includes GdZrF₇:Eu.
 3. A nearly white phosphor composition comprising: GdZrF₇:Eu.
 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the quantum yield is about one.
 5. The composition of claim 3, wherein the composition is excitable in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV).
 6. The composition of claim 3, wherein the phosphor is about 0.1% to 10% Eu molar equivalent doped GdZrF₇.
 7. The composition of claim 3, wherein the phosphor is about 1% Eu molar equivalent doped GdZrF₇.
 8. The composition of claim 3, further comprising a lanthanide selected from Tm, Tb, or Pr.
 9. A method of making a phosphor comprising: mixing in molar equivalents about 0.85 to 0.99 GdF₃, about 1 to 1.12 ZrF₄, about 0.005 to 0.075 Eu₂O₃, and about 0.5 to 3 NH₄F; grinding the mixture; charging the mixture into a capped carbon crucible; and heating the mixture at about 730 to 750° C. for about 1 to 3 h.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: placing the capped carbon crucible inside a larger carbon crucible; placing the carbon crucibles in an alumina crucible; and filling the space between the alumina and carbon crucibles with graphite powder.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the phosphor is about 0.1% to 10% Eu molar equivalent doped GdZrF₇.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the phosphor is about 1% Eu molar equivalent doped GdZrF₇.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the phosphor is GdZrF₇:Eu. 